The Abia State Government says it has reached an advanced stage in plans to establish a Special Sports Economic Zone aimed at promoting sports merchandising, creating jobs, and increasing internally generated revenue.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

He said the initiative is designed to harness the creativity of local artisans involved in fashion, leatherworks, and the production of sportswear and footwear, with a view to developing a sports merchandising market that will serve Abia, Nigeria, and the wider African region.

According to Kanu, the project is expected to generate significant revenue through taxes from participating partners, while also providing employment opportunities for youths in the state.

He added that the initiative is being implemented through a partnership between the Abia State Government and Sports Nigeria, noting that a formal proposal has already been signed to advance the project.

Kanu said the government’s investment in youth and sports development is already producing results, citing recent performances in competitions, including the South-East Open Dance Competition, where Abia emerged overall winner, and the inaugural Teqball League held at the Aba Sports Club, where the state also placed first.

He further explained that the government has partnered with Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba to introduce a National Diploma programme in sports management, aimed at equipping students with practical and theoretical knowledge for careers beyond active sports.

The commissioner said the first batch of students admitted into the programme has already matriculated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the state would leverage its pool of skilled artisans, known for producing footwear and related products, to manufacture sports items such as football trainers and gym equipment for markets within and outside Nigeria.

He added that the sports management programme would provide career pathways for athletes and sports professionals after retirement, including roles in sports therapy, psychology and related fields.